'Mr. Turner'

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Published February 11th, 2015

'Mr. Turner'

Truly a piece of art

By Derek Zemrak

For Cinematographhy:

Timothy Spall as J.M.W. Turner Photo Simon Mein, courtesy Sony Pictures Classics

"Mr. Turner" is a must see - not for great storytelling - but for the stunning beauty of every shot in the film, which is a painting unto its own. This film is truly a piece of art, one that would please the 19th century British painter J.M.W. Turner.

"Mr. Turner" is nominated for four Academy Awards: Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and Best Musical Score. These nominations alone should tell you that "Mr. Turner" is worth the price of admission. But veteran British actor Timothy Spall's performance of the complex, curmudgeonly J.M.W. Turner is top notch and an excellent character study for any inspiring actor. In most years Spall would be nominated for an Oscar for his performance, but this year the Best Actor category is probably the strongest in Oscar history. I am sure Mr. Turner is grunting and groaning over the missed nomination.

The film is written and directed by seven-time Oscar nominee Mike Leigh ("Secrets & Lies," "Vera Drake") who was also omitted from this year's Oscar race, which is another disappointment. Leigh accurately delivers the film through the eyes of Turner. The audience sees what this brilliant artist saw, from just the right sunset to the perfect landscape.

The London Film Critics Circle awarded "Mr. Turner" seven nominations, which was the highest for any film this year. Don't miss this gorgeous piece of art. Every landscape, sunset, seascape and valley in film appears as if the actors are standing in front of a masterpiece painting. "Mr. Turner" is cinematography at its best! What a visual treat to have this quality film at the Orinda Theatre. I can see this film being used in film schools for years to come to analyze brilliance in cinematography.

"Mr. Turner" is rated R for sexual content and has a total running time (TRT) of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Want to talk more about this year's Oscars? Do not miss the next California Independent Film Festival Founders Night at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Rheem Theatre. Leonard Pirkle and I will be discussing "Everything Oscars" from the history to this year's predictions. See the outstanding performances of the year on the big screen! Tickets are free to CAIFF Leading Role Members and $7 for the general public, and are available through the Rheem Theatre Box Office or online at www.lamorindatheatres.com.



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